TGCTS has learned that a Winnipeg businessman is challenging a ticket and tow-away from the Winnipeg Parking Authority, armed with evidence from City Hall that tags issued since November may have been illegally issued.
According to the man, and another sources, the WPA may have made a fatal miscalculation when they split with the Corps of Commissionaires and issued a contract so onerous with penalties that the Corps refused to bid to renew their long-standing deal to patrol Winnipeg streets and laneways.
The employees of the winning bidder, G4S, are NOT sworn peace officers, and the Commissionaires that carried on duties by joining the private security firm lost their peace officer status by doing so. The City sent a letter to officials asking them to clarify the question months ago but it is unclear if they replied.
However the man challenging the ticket told TGCTS that he went to see the WPA and asked, are the tickets being issued by sworn peace officers as required at the top of the tickets? and he told us "they turned white" and refused to answer.
He saw a magistrate with a copy of the letters sent by the city raising the possibility this was a problem; the court case is set for August and we'll follow the story. If his ticket is dismissed, this would mean every ticket issued by G4S would have been without authority, and the city could have a Refundgate 2 scandal on it's hands.
Not to mention the question, would the tow truck companies who executed instructions to remove vehicles, technically have committed grand theft auto?
TGCTS will have more on the WPA with Coun. Jeff Browaty today on TGCTS, and on The CJOB Nighthawk at 9 PM tonight.
Also on the Nighthawk, Sel Burrows has harsh criticism for Justice Minister Dave Chomiak for choosing to add to jail facilities rather than deal with the remand backlog; and Barrett Fraser of Triallo Communication Media will explain their exciting foray into the city scenescape - contest time! - at 10.30PM; with Paul Lazenby of BODOG fights speaking about the fight to legalize MMA in Canada at 11 PM.
